However, of the region’s Big Three employment sectors, many people believe hospitality was less devastated than construction or real estate.

That made a huge difference for the economy. Tourism and hospitality accounts for an estimated one in five jobs in Lee and Collier counties alone.

And since 2011, it’s again going full speed ahead.

“It's a big misperception that the hospitality industry was bulletproof.”

Jim Larkin

One indicator: Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau recently reported the fiscal year that ended in September was the seventh consecutive to post a record collection of the bed tax – a 5 percent levy on short-term lodgings rentals that pays for destination marketing, beach and shoreline renourishment, maintenance and enhancement projects; stadium debt service and major maintenance for Lee County’s spring training facilities.

But hoteliers dug in – and discounted room rates to put “heads in beds.” They also formed alliances with other tourist businesses, offering packages that coaxed travelers to stay a little longer and spend a little more than they originally intended.

"It's a big misperception that the hospitality industry was bulletproof," said Jim Larkin, general manager of the Crowne Plaza in south Fort Myers.

"Room rates tumbled. It was three years before they started to rebound," Larkin said.

For Larkin, the recession "probably made me a sharper businessman: to watch costs more closely and to make sure we make good vendor selections."

Local restaurants also struggled during the recession, including 20-year veterans such as the operators of The Oasis in downtown Fort Myers.

“We almost lost everything we had: our house, our business and 30 employees we were responsible for.”

Bonnie Grunberg

Oasis owners Tammie Shockey and Bonnie Grunberg stopped short of layoffs, but for a time reduced the number of servers on the floor per shift, hoping to give those working the tables a better chance at good tips.

Some servers did stints in the kitchen or hostessing to supplement their incomes.

“You’re petrified with fear," Grunberg said of the recession's darkest days.

"We almost lost everything we had: our house, our business and 30 employees we were responsible for.”

Ford’s Garage became hugely popular, driving the roll-out of new locations and restaurant themes for Fort Myers' River District and beyond.

McGuigan now has turned his attention to a more personal task: opening Bimini Bait Shack, a new concept for the restaurant at Punta Rassa that once housed Summerlin Jake's and SS Hookers.

Remarried and with four children at his Buckingham home, McGuigan said the recession taught him to be frugal.

“Before, it was dinners and boats and travel. Now, I’m putting away money for my family.”

A crew works to transform the inside of Bimini Bait Shack recently.

(Photo: Amanda Inscore/The News-Press)

Recession's in rear-view mirror: What now?

Opinion is mixed on whether the Great Recession had a lasting impact on travel consumer expectations and behavior.

“The recession’s in the rear-view mirror,” said Steve Cohen. He’s vice president, research/insights for MMGY Global, the marketing company behind the survey-based “Portrait of American Travelers” reports.

Room discounts “were huge during the recession,” but now “it’s more about how that price compares to the competition,” Cohen said.

If consumers see a below-market price, they’ll wonder “is there a resort fee attached? And, what other fees will I pay that I’m not seeing.”

The rising consumer concern today is not price, but safety, Cohen said.

Inexperienced U.S. travelers are increasingly worried for their safety during international travel, making them more likely to vacation in the States. That should be a plus for Southwest Florida.

Nationally, visitor spending pulled out of doldrums in the third quarter of 2013, surpassing that of that same quarter in 2006. It also was the highest level for any quarter since 2007, Cohen at MMGY Global said.

He added: "This year, we see growth – but not as strong as it was in 2016.”

Local tourism promoters are optimistic, but see things outside their control that could dampen visitor demand.

Economics being cyclical, “everyone’s waiting for that shoe to drop,” said Tamara Pigott, executive director for Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau.

Pigott added: "There “is some thought the economy will slow down. But if a significant (income) tax cut is coming, will we see consumer spending bump up?”